Babcock & Wilcox joins Bechtel to form nuclear power alliance

Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy Inc. and Bechtel Power Corp. announced Wednesday that they have a formed an alliance to commercialize B&W’s small nuclear power plants.

The alliance, to be called Generation mPower, would develop B&W’s mPower 125-megawatt modular reactor. Smaller reactors could be less expensive and easier to build and transport.

“We believe that Generation mPower positions us to collectively deliver greater certainty in nuclear project cost and schedule, which are necessary to enable broader, more timely deployment of nuclear power,” Chris Mowry, president of B&W NE said in a statement.

Under the partnership, B&W will focus on designing the nuclear steam supply systems and nuclear island, and will lead the design certification application and submission. San Francisco-based Bechtel, a major engineering and construction company, will provide integrated engineering and project management experience and would be responsible for building the plants.

Depending on regulatory approvals, the first plant could be finished in 2020, according to the companies.